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In this early episode of the Big Bang Theory prequel, nine-year-old Sheldon Cooper starts high school but clashes with his intimidating history teacher, Mr. Givens (an excellent cameo by The Practice ’s Steve Howey). Meanwhile, his older brother Georgie discovers a potentially lucrative side hustle selling counterfeit watches, and Missy struggles with the sudden shift in family attention toward Sheldon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) A strong early episode that builds character and charm. The DD5.1 mix is a welcome bonus for home theater enthusiasts who appreciate good audio in non-action content. Recommended for Big Bang Theory fans and anyone who enjoys smart, gentle family comedies.
Iain Armitage continues to shine as a young Sheldon—brilliant, socially inept, yet oddly endearing. The episode balances humor and heart well, particularly when Sheldon realizes that memorizing facts (the Dewey Decimal System) doesn't automatically earn him respect. The family dynamics feel authentic, with Zoe Perry (Mary) and Lance Barber (George Sr.) giving grounded performances that add warmth without veering into saccharine territory.
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